Congress criticises Gandhi Peace Prize awarded to Gita Press, draws controversy
New Delhi, June 19: The Centre's decision to award the prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 to Gita Press, a publisher from Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, has drawn criticism from senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh. He compared the choice, made by a jury headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to honoring Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar and Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse.
Ramesh referenced a book by journalist Akshaya Mukul, published in 2015, which purportedly reveals the strained relationship between Gita Press and Mahatma Gandhi.
Established in 1995 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 125th birth anniversary, the Gandhi Peace Prize recognises individuals and organisations that uphold his ideals. Gita Press, celebrating its centenary this year, was honored for its contributions to social and cultural transformations.
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Prime Minister Modi commended Gita Press, one of the world's largest publishers, for its commendable work over the past century. The award includes a cash prize of Rs 1 crore, a citation, a plaque, and a traditional handicraft item.
"I congratulate Gita Press, Gorakhpur on being conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize 2021. They have done commendable work over the last 100 years towards furthering social and cultural transformations among the people," the PM tweeted this morning.
I congratulate Gita Press, Gorakhpur on being conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize 2021. They have done commendable work over the last 100 years towards furthering social and cultural transformations among the people. @GitaPress https://t.co/B9DmkE9AvS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2023
The Congress party faced backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Congress of harbouring anti-Hindu sentiments. The BJP spokesperson also questioned Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's alliance with Congress, given their alleged criticism of Hinduism, Hindutva, and figures like Savarkar.
Gita Press has been a target of criticism by Congress, with the BJP suggesting that Congress dislikes anything related to Hinduism. Congress, however, maintains that Gita Press spreads a particular interpretation of Sanatan and Hinduism, while the party considers itself secular.
Previous recipients of the Gandhi Peace Prize include notable organizations like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Ramakrishna Mission, Akshaya Patra, Sulabh International, as well as renowned figures like Nelson Mandela, Baba Amte, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Gita Press, established in 1923, is renowned for publishing 41.7 crore books in 14 languages, including 16.21 crore copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. The institution refrains from relying on advertisements to generate revenue and, along with its affiliated organisations, strives for the betterment of society and the overall well-being of individuals.
- With inputs from agencies
